Some gigs are about the music, some are about the memories, and then there are nights that bring everything full circle. On Wednesday 4th November, Norfolk’s very own Deaf Havana returned to Norwich’s Nick Rayns LCR for a night that was about so much more than another date on the tour calendar.   

Celebrating 15 years of their breakthrough album Fools and Worthless Liars, this was a homecoming filled with nostalgia, familiar faces, old friendships and a few surprises that nobody could have predicted.

Formed back in 2005, Deaf Havana began their journey in Norfolk, with their roots firmly planted around King’s Lynn and Hunstanton. What started as a group of friends making music at college developed into one of Britain’s most recognisable alternative rock bands. Over the years, their sound has evolved from the heavier post-hardcore influences of their early days into the emotionally charged, anthemic rock that has earned them such a dedicated following.

At the heart of the band are brothers James and Matthew Veck-Gilodi, with James leading the vocals and Matthew bringing his guitar work and backing vocals to the performance. Their musical connection is unmistakable, and together they continue to carry the spirit of Deaf Havana forward.
The evening’s celebrations began with special guests The Dangerous Summer, who brought their album Reach For The Sun to life in full before the anticipation started building for the headline performance.

Taking to the stage at approximately 8:15pm, Deaf Havana opened with ‘The Past Six Years’, immediately transporting the audience back to 2011. What followed was a full performance of Fools and Worthless Liars, including favourites such as ‘Youth in Retrospect’, ‘Little White Lies’, ‘Anemophobia’, ‘I’m a Bore, Mostly’, ‘Hunstanton Pier’ and ‘Leeches’.

Hearing the album performed in its entirety was a genuine treat, particularly for those who have followed the band since their early days. The atmosphere inside the LCR was electric, with the crowd embracing every chorus and singing along to songs that have clearly stood the test of time.

But the evening wasn’t finished there. The band returned with ‘Everybody’s Dancing and I Want To Die’, followed by ‘Fever’, ’22’ and a particularly beautiful performance of ‘Caro Padre’.

Then came the biggest surprise of the night.
Original vocalist Ryan Mellor joined the band on stage for ‘Friends Like These’, marking his first performance with Deaf Havana since 2011. It was an incredibly special moment, bringing together different chapters of the band’s history and giving long-standing fans something they won’t forget in a hurry.

With so many familiar faces and friends in attendance, the Norfolk connection made the occasion even more meaningful.
The night drew towards its conclusion with ‘Smiles All Round’ before the band closed with ‘Happiness’, leaving the audience with one final reminder of just how much their music means to people.

Fifteen years on, Fools and Worthless Liars remains something special.

For Deaf Havana, returning to their home county to celebrate the record that helped change everything was clearly more than just another gig.
It was a celebration of where they came from, how far they’ve travelled and the people who have been there along the way.
Norfolk welcomed them home, and what a night it was.

Words and photography by Haylea Allison

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